probably another form of βιάζω; to squeeze, i.e. seize (gently by the hand (press), or officially (arrest), or in hunting (capture)):--apprehend, catch, lay hand on, take. Compare πιέζω.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **piázō**, represented by `{{G4084}}`, means to squeeze or seize. It is used to describe actions ranging from a gentle press by the hand to an official arrest or the capture of prey. It appears **13 times** across **12 unique verses**, illustrating its application in various contexts of taking, catching, or apprehending.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{G4084}}` is frequently used to describe the attempts of religious authorities to arrest Jesus. The Pharisees and chief priests sent officers to **take** him [[John 7:32]], and repeatedly they sought to **take** him, but could not because his hour had not yet come ([[John 7:30]], [[John 8:20]]). The word also applies to literal capture, such as when the disciples **caught** nothing after a night of fishing [[John 21:3]] or when Herod **apprehended** Peter and put him in prison [[Acts 12:4]]. In a different context, Peter **took** a lame man by the hand to lift him up [[Acts 3:7]], and in a climactic scene of judgment, the beast is **taken** along with the false prophet [[Revelation 19:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the action of seizing or taking:
* `{{G2212}}` **zētéō** (to seek): This word often precedes an attempt to capture. Authorities would first **seek** Jesus in order to **take** him, showing intent before the action ([[John 7:30]], [[John 10:39]]).
* `{{G1911}}` **epibállō** (to throw upon, lay on): This term is used in conjunction with `{{G4084}}` to describe the physical act of arresting someone, as in the phrase that "no man **laid** hands on him" ([[John 7:30]], [[John 7:44]]).
* `{{G5495}}` **cheír** (the hand): The hand is the instrument through which the act of seizing is often carried out. The word is used when Jesus escaped their **hand** [[John 10:39]] and when Peter **took** the lame man by the right **hand** [[Acts 3:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4084}}` is demonstrated in several key themes:
* **Hostility toward Christ:** The repeated efforts by the Pharisees and chief priests to **take** `{{G4084}}` Jesus highlight the official and growing opposition to his ministry, culminating in a commandment that anyone who knew his location should report it so they could **take** him [[John 11:57]].
* **Divine Sovereignty:** Despite numerous attempts to seize him, no one could **take** `{{G4084}}` Jesus because his **hour** `{{G5610}}` had not yet come ([[John 7:30]], [[John 8:20]]). This underscores that God's timing, not human plots, controlled the events of Christ's life.
* **Ultimate Judgment:** The word's usage extends from earthly arrests to final divine judgment. The beast and the false prophet are **taken** `{{G4084}}` before being cast into the lake of **fire** `{{G4442}}` and **brimstone** `{{G2303}}`, signifying an inescapable divine capture [[Revelation 19:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4084}}` conveys a powerful and versatile concept of seizure. While it can describe a physical act of catching fish [[John 21:10]] or a gentle touch of healing [[Acts 3:7]], its most significant use is in the context of conflict and authority. It frames the earthly opposition to Jesus, contrasts human will with divine sovereignty, and ultimately portrays the final, unopposed act of God's judgment upon evil.
TRV